USA says ‘concerned’ at recent arrests of PTI leaders in Pakistan

The United States of America (USA) on Tuesday expressed concern over the recent arrests of PTI leaders and workers as well as raids on the party’s offices, including on the central secretariat in Islamabad, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

During a press briefing, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said, "We have seen the reports of the arrests of PTI leaders. We are always concerned when we see arrests of opposition leaders."

He said his country supported adherence to democratic values and the rule of law. “Pakistan must respect these values as enshrined in its own constitution,” he emphasized.

Everybody in the room burst into laughter when he, while referring to the arrest of PTI spokesman Raoof Hasan, remarked in jest that he was personally concerned about the arrest of any spokesperson.

Miller reiterated the US's commitment to supporting democratic values, justice, and the rule of law. "We support the peaceful upholding of constitutional and democratic principles, including the rule of law, equal justice under the law, and respect for human rights like freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly."

He also pointed out that these principles were also enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan and should be upheld by the government. 

On Tuesday, the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation once again sealed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) central office on the pretext that fire safety arrangements in the building were inadequate. 

The development came after PTI spokesman Raoof Hasan was arrested from the party's central secretariat in Islamabad  for allegedly heading a digital media cell involved in running propaganda against Pakistan and its integrity.

The police also took away with them the office record and computers with them.

He was later handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on a two-day physical remand by a district and sessions court.